Abstract: A ripper assembly includes a beam assembly with a central ripper shank and tip flanked by a left linkage and a right linkage. In order to improve visibility of the central ripper shank and tip from an operator station of a track type tractor, the left linkage and the right linkage are unconnected to each other, except via the beam assembly. Without cross bracing between the left and right linkages, the beam assembly and individual linkages are configured to absorb side and twisting loads that may occur during production ripping. The ripper assembly left and right linkages may be of a fixed or variable parallelogram design. The hydraulic actuator(s) of the ripper assembly are configured to extend when moving to a dig position to provide a high penetration force. Part of the ripper assembly linkage shares a common pin with its associated hydraulic actuator.